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Nasonex

What Is Nasonex (Mometasone)?

Nasonex is the brand name for mometasone nasal spray, a medicine used to relieve allergy symptoms.

These symptoms can include stuffy or runny nose, itching, and sneezing.

Nasonex, which is administered through a nasal inhaler, may also be used to treat growths in your nose known as nasal polyps.

The medication is part of the corticosteroid family of drugs. They work by reducing swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages.

If you're using Nasonex to treat seasonal allergies, it's best to start taking it two to four weeks before allergy season starts.

Once you begin using it, it's important that you do so regularly since its effectiveness is dependent on regular use. It usually takes one to two weeks to achieve the maximum effect.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1997, Nasonex is marketed by Merck & Co.

Nasonex Warnings

There's no data proving that Nasonex is safe and effective when used to treat children under 2 years old with seasonal allergies, or to treat nasal polyps in people younger than 18 years old.

You should be aware that Nasonex might cause nosebleeds or nose and throat infections. It could also result in your wounds healing slowly.

If you have a sore in your nose, have surgery on your nose, or sustain an injury to your nose, you may need to wait to use Nasonex until it is healed.

It's important that you have regular eye exams while on Nasonex, since it can lead to eye problems like glaucoma and cataracts.

Nasonex could also weaken your immune system, thereby increasing your risk of infection. As a result, you should avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles while using this medicine.

Let your doctor know right away if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, aches, pain, chills, nausea, tiredness, or vomiting.

While on Nasonex, you could develop Addison's disease, a condition where your adrenal glands don't make enough steroid hormones. Symptoms range from being tired or feeling weak to nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure.

On rare occasions, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications has been known to make it difficult for your body to respond to physical stress.

If you're planning to undergo surgery (including dental) or any other treatment, or if you are suffering with a serious infection, you must mention that you use Nasonex as well as other products that you are taking.

In addition, it's possible, but unlikely, that this medication could slow down your child's growth if used for a long time.

Nasonex and Pregnancy

Tell your doctor if you might become pregnant or are pregnant, so that he/she can help you decide if you should be using Nasonex. The drug should only be used if it is really needed.

It's also unknown if this drug will pass into your breast milk, so talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.

Nasonex Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Nasonex:

Serious Side Effects of Nasonex:

If you experience any of these problems, call your doctor right away.

Pain or sores in your nose

White patches in your nose or mouth

Painful swallowing or trouble swallowing

While not common, it is possible that Nasonex could be absorbed into your bloodstream, leading to unusual or extreme tiredness, headache, swelling of the ankles or feet, increased thirst and urination, vision problems, or weight loss or gain.

This is more likely to happen in children and those who use Nasonex for a long time and in high doses.

Seek help immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, including:

Nasonex Interactions

While Nasonex is not known to interact with other medications, that doesn't mean it will never happen.

It's importantto give your physician a complete list of all the medications that you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, and illegal or recreational drugs.

Nasonex Dosage

It's important that you use Nasonex exactly as prescribed. Dosage will be based on your age, condition, and response to treatment.

Most people who suffer from seasonal allergies use this medication once a day and those with polyps spray it in their noses once or twice a day.

Before using Nasonex, shake the container well and blow your nose gently. Be careful not to spray your eyes or mouth. If you get Nasonex in your eyes, rinse them with water and contact your doctor.

To use the spray, remove the protective cap, close one nostril by pressing it with your finger and tilt your head slightly forward.

Keep the bottle upright and put the applicator into the other nostril. Press down firmly and make sure you deliver the correct number of sprays. Breathe in gently through your nose and out through your mouth and then repeat the procedure on the other nostril.

After treatment, avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes. Throw the spray canister out after you have used the number of treatments written on the manufacturer's package.

If your symptoms don't improve after two weeks or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

Nasonex Overdose

If you're afraid you have taken too much Nasonex and perhaps overdosed, go to the emergency room right away or call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.

Missed Dose of Nasonex

If you forget to use Nasonex, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose.

If that's the case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing regimen.

Nasonex FAQ

Q: What's the difference between Nasonex and Nasonex AQ other than the price?

A: Your question regards what the difference is between Nasonex and Nasonex AQ. As of this writing, I believe the only currently available formulation in the United States is Nasonex. This is based on a phone call I made to the drug company that makes Nasonex, and they told me only Nasonex is available. The drug company also stated that they could not tell me the difference in the two products since Nasonex AQ is not in their computer system. I also did not see Nasonex AQ listed on my professional pharmacy reference nor available from a local wholesaler. As always, talk with your health care provider regarding questions you have about your medications. Jen Marsico, RPh

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